The ongoing recall of toys made in China emphasizes one lawmaker's effort to make sure recalled items actually get pulled from the shelves.
When the Consumer Product Safety Commission issues a major national recall, state senator Julie Lassa says state agencies have no enforcement power to make it happen.
Lassa wants the legislature to give the department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection the authority to fine stores that do not pull recalled items. Her bill would also allow Health and Family Services to enforce recalls in childcare centers.
Lassa points to a recent recall of contact lens solution suspected of causing eye infections. She says even months after the recalled was issued stores were still selling the solution and people were still using it.
Lassa's bill would also require DATCP to list all recalled products on a website where the public could easily find them.